DDA & Planning Commission Board Members Wanted

September 22, 2022. The City of Watervliet is seeking interested community members to join the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) or the City's Planning Commission. For more information regarding the roles/responsibilities of these boards, see below:

Planning Commission

What is a Planning Commission?

Along with the other appointed and elected municipal officials in the community, members of a planning commission accept responsibility to protect the personality and vitality of the community. To carry out their duties, these volunteers must digest a mountain of information and negotiate a maze of delicate situations. These include leadership and direction with the City's Master Plan, Zoning Reccomendations, Future Land Use, etc. 

Planning Commission Community Role

Planning commissioners wear many hats from mediator, interpreter, visionary, researcher or teacher, to community builder. Early in the history of zoning, it was recognized that when reviewing zoning and land use matters, elected officials needed input from a group of individuals who were not affected by political concerns. Having a group of interested volunteers judge land use decisions for the community was intended to allow a wide range of views to be fairly represented. Elected officials are representatives for the people in the community. As such, they are accountable to the voters. As a planning commissioner, on the other hand, you are a representative of the people. This means that the members of the commission represent the various interests found in the community, such as professionals, business owners and homemakers. In theory, this allows a planning commissioner to act without the political considerations that influence elected officials.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

DDA Community Role

The DDA Role is to be an agency responsible for improvements in the downtown area or district. DDA projects have contributed greatly to the growth and development of downtown. Using Incremental property taxes collected from downtown properties the DDA has financed many public improvements which have led to unprecedented public investment. The improvement projects undertaken in connection with the plan will enhance the shopping environment of the downtown area and encourage movement between the retail core and adjacent parking areas. The projects will reinforce downtown development programs and assure the success of the City’s redevelopment efforts. The purpose of the DDA is found further and is authorized by Act 197 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1975 as amended.

For any questions or comments please contact Watervliet City Hall at 269-463-6769 or by email at deputyclerk@watervliet.org